HomeMy WebLinkAbout20253219 Resolution
Approve 2026 State Noxious Weed Program Grant Application for Eradication of
List A and B Species Throughout Weld County and Authorize Department of Public
Works to Submit Electronically
Whereas, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to
Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of
administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and
Whereas, the Board has been presented with a 2026 State Noxious Weed Program Grant
Application for Eradication of List A and B Species Throughout Weld County from the
County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners
of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Public Works, to the U.S. Forest Service,
and the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Division of Conservation Services, with
further terms and conditions being as stated in said application, and
Whereas, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said application, a copy
of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County,
Colorado, that the 2026 State Noxious Weed Program Grant Application for Eradication
of List A and B Species Throughout Weld County from the County of Weld, State of
Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf
of the Department of Public Works, to the U.S. Forest Service, and the Colorado
Department of Agriculture, Division of Conservation Services, be, and hereby is,
approved.
Be it further resolved by the Board that Tina Booton, Department of Public Works, be,
and hereby is, authorized to electronically submit said application.
The Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, approved the above
and foregoing Resolution, on motion duly made and seconded, by the following vote on
the 24th day of November, A.D., 2025:
[Insert Resolution Attestation Block Post Meeting]
2025-3219
EG0083
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
PASS-AROUND REVIEW
PASS-AROUND TITLE: Rush Skeletonweed Eradication Reimbursement and Grant Application
DEPARTMENT: Public Works DATE: November 18, 2025
PERSON REQUESTING: Tina Booton
Brief description of the problem/issue: In August 2025, Rush skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea), a mandatory
eradication species listed by the State of Colorado, was identified in Weld County. In response, county staff
initiated immediate control efforts to comply with state eradication requirements. The initial actions included
manual control to prevent further seed production and broadcast herbicide treatment on the properties affected.
The current infestation spans approximately 94.5 acres over four parcels. Weld County owns two parcels that
are infested to varying degrees. Based on the plant's biology and treatment efficacy, it is estimated that 3 to 5
years of sustained management will be required to achieve full eradication.
What options exist for the Board? CDA can cover the chemical cost from 2025 if the attached report is
submitted to them. CDA also has an open grant RFP for additional funds for 2026. Attached is the electronic
grant application for review.
Consequences: Failure to submit the report and application will result in Weld County bearing the full
cost of meeting the eradication requirement.
Impacts: The Weed Division budget will be reduced to cover the cost of the chemical treatment by
reducing the amount of work that can be carried out on other properties around the County.
Costs (Current Fiscal Year/ Ongoing or Subsequent Fiscal Years): Current chemical cost is $7200
to $8000 per year for the next 3 to 5 years.
Recommendation: Submit the report for 2025 for reimbursement and apply for the 2026 CDA grant program.
Support Recommendation Schedule
Place on BOCC Agenda Work Session Other/Comments:
Perry L. Buck
Scott K. James
Jason S. Maxey
Lynette Peppier �r Cj 110 L
Kevin D. Ross
2025-3219
n/aq EC100'33
Karla Ford
From: Lynette Peppier
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 4:07 PM
To: Karla Ford
Subject: RE: Please Reply- Weeds Division BOCC Pass around
I'm ok with this going to the agenda.
WELa
COUNTY,CO
Lynette Peppier
Weld County Commissioner, District 3
Board of Weld County
Desk: 970-400-4205/Cell: 970-305-7243
P.O. Box 758, 1150 O St., Greeley, CO 80632
o61000
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From: Karla Ford <kford@weld.gov>
Sent:Tuesday, November 18, 2025 2:51 PM
To: Lynette Peppler<Ipeppler@weld.gov>
Subject: Please Reply-Weeds Division BOCC Pass around
Importance: High
Please advise if you support recommendation and to have department place on the agenda.
COUNTY,CO
Karla Ford
Office Manager& Executive Assistant
Board of Weld County Commissioners
Desk: 970-400-4200/970-400-4228
P.O. Box 758, 1150 0 St., Greeley, CO 80632
COLORADO
el, C
Department of Agriculture .U4LS
CDA
Conservation Services Division
2026 State Noxious Weed Program Grant
Application Short-Answer Questions
When you fill out the Google Application Form, you will not be able to save and edit your response,
so we are providing you with the short-answer questions in this document. Feel free to make a
copy of this document, fill it out, and copy/paste your answers into the Google Application form,
once you are ready to submit.
Project Details
1 . Project Abstract
Describe your project in 3-5 sentences. (800 characters total, including spaces)
This project focuses on the continued eradication of Rush Skeletonweed on known
infested properties while expanding scouting efforts to identify new locations. Control
methods will include monitoring, mapping, spot treatments, clipping and bagging, and a
broadcast herbicide application in the fall. An educational outreach component will raise
public awareness about Rush Skeletonweed and other potential noxious weed threats to
encourage early detection and reporting.
2. Briefly describe the history of this project.
Rush Skeletonweed was first identified in Weld County in late August 2025. Immediate
action was taken to limit seed spread through clipping and bagging. This was followed by
detailed mapping of the infestation and a broadcast herbicide treatment in October.
Three different chemical mixes were applied across the three primary affected properties
to evaluate which formulation offers the most effective control.
3. Tell us about your organization and its capacity for noxious Weed
management*
1200 characters per answer, including spaces
Weld County Weed Division has operated since the 1990s, focusing on managing
noxious weeds on County-owned properties and rights-of-way and seeking
compliance from landowners. Our team includes four spray technicians, three
mower operators, and two landowner compliance staff. In 2025, we mowed 2,300
lane miles and chemically treated 776 acres of noxious weeds along 6,073 lane
miles using roadside spray trucks. We also handgun-treated 142 acres, including
2026-2027 CDA Noxious Weed Program Annual Grants: Grant Application Questions 1
94.5 acres of Rush Skeletonweed. Our landowner compliance program is robust,
with staff inspecting over 7,400 parcels and working directly with more than 1,500
landowners to promote education and compliance with the Colorado Noxious
Weed Act. Our mission is rooted in proactive management, education, and
collaboration to reduce the spread of invasive species and protect native
ecosystems.
4. Where will this project take place? Describe the site(s) in terms of land
ownership, geographic area, habitat type, and vicinity to National Forest Lands
(if applicable). *
1200 characters per answer, including spaces
The Rush Skeletonweed project site is -3.5 miles south of Carr, CO; 5 miles west of the Pawnee
National Grassland; and 6 miles east of Larimer County. The infestation spans three main
parcels. One is 64 acres of private land with native grasses and forbs; the landowners plan to
build a home and introduce cattle within two years. The second parcel is owned by Union Pacific
Railroad, with minimal rail activity. The third is a Weld County-owned parcel, also dominated by
native grasses and forbs, and is part of a 441-acre area designated for future rail material
stockpiling and road-building operations. A small, escaped infestation (-0.5 acres) was found at
the Sheriff's shooting range across the road. A few plants were also found and treated along
County Road rights-of-way in 2025.
5. What are your long-term plans for this project?
*
1200 characters per answer, including spaces
The long-term goal is to meet Colorado's eradication requirements for Rush Skeletonweed.
Since seed viability lasts 3-5 years, efforts will focus on preventing seed production and
reducing root viability through timely herbicide applications and mechanical control as needed.
Continued monitoring and treatment will be essential to ensure no resurgence. All neighboring
landowners are aware of the infestation and are cooperating with access and treatment efforts.
With planned land use changes on the horizon, it is critical to aggressively manage the
infestation now to prevent spread and ensure long-term success. The project will remain active
until the area is free of viable plants and meets the state's eradication standards.
6. Why should this project be a priority for funding? *
1200 characters per answer, including spaces
This project should be prioritized because Rush Skeletonweed is a Colorado List A noxious
weed, designated for eradication. The Weld County infestation is only the second known
occurrence in the state, making early intervention critical. Its current location is relatively
isolated, and the infestation was detected early, increasing the likelihood of successful
eradication. With proper funding, we can continue timely herbicide treatments and monitoring to
prevent spread and protect surrounding lands, including nearby agricultural areas and the
2026-2027 CDA Noxious Weed Program Annual Grants: Grant Application Questions 2
Pawnee National Grassland. Financial support now will reduce long-term costs and help
Colorado meet its statewide eradication goals for this invasive species.
Species Questions
i. Summarize your plan for List A species. Describe your overall Integrated Plant
Management (IPM) strategy for these species and how these treatments align
with the state's overall noxious weed management plan.
*
Put N/A if no List A species will be treated in this project
Rush Skeletonweed (List A): Our IWM strategy includes continued monitoring and mapping
throughout 2026 to track any regrowth. Spot herbicide treatments will be applied through early June if
needed. If any plants escape chemical control, they will be clipped and bagged to prevent seed spread. A
follow-up fall herbicide application is planned for October to early November, targeting newly emerged
rosettes. This approach integrates chemical,mechanical,and cultural methods to reduce seed viability and
root reserves. Our plan aligns with Colorado's Noxious Weed Management Plan by prioritizing early
detection, rapid response,and eradication of List A species to prevent establishment and spread.
Summarize your plan for List B species. Describe your overall Integrated Plant
Management (IPM) strategy for these species and how these treatments align with
the state's List B management plans. *
Put N/A if no List B species will be treated in this project
N/A
2. Do you also plan to treat List C species and/or survey for Watch List
species with grant funds?
If so, describe those activities here, and include whether any of the species are locally elevated.
No, this project won't treat or map List C or Watch List species.
Education and Outreach
Provide the details of your education and outreach. (1200 characters per answer, including spaces)
1 . Does your project have an education & outreach component?
If so, describe what it entails, and what outcomes you expect to achieve. Specifics should include your target
audience and how you plan to expand the knowledge of noxious weeds to underserved or new audiences in
your area.
Yes, our project includes an education and outreach component. In 2025, we contacted all
nearby landowners to inform them about Rush Skeletonweed, providing identification tips and
requesting their help in reporting sightings. For 2026, we are partnering with the Weld County
Public Information Office to launch a broader outreach campaign focused on Rush Skeletonweed
and other noxious weeds. Our target audience is rural Weld County residents. Outreach will be
conducted through the County's social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube.
2026-2027 CDA Noxious Weed Program Annual Grants:Grant Application Questions 3
The goal is to raise awareness, improve early detection, and increase community involvement in
reporting and managing noxious weeds, especially among underserved and hard-to-reach
populations.
Mapping
Description (optional)
1 . How will data for your project be collected, stored and shared with CDA and
the EDDMapS online database?*
Project data is collected using Field Maps during on-site surveys. In 2025,
the infestation area was mapped using this tool, and all noxious weed data
was uploaded to the EDDMapS database during the winter. This process is
repeated annually to ensure up-to-date records. Data is stored digitally
within Weld County's GIS system and shared with the Colorado Department
of Agriculture (CDA) through EDDMapS to support statewide tracking and
eradication efforts. This consistent data management approach ensures
transparency, supports early detection and rapid response, and aligns with
state reporting requirements.
Entering species location data into the online EDDMapS database is a requirement of all grants
prior to seeking reimbursement.
2. Is there anything you want to explain about your maps? If so, do that here.
Partnerships and Organizational Capacity
Describe your project's partnerships in this section.
1 . Describe any partnership that exists for this project
Include how long each partnership has existed and the responsibilities and financial or in-kind
contributions of each partner.
Weld County has a long-standing history of working with partners to enhance project
outcomes. Due to the high priority of this eradication effort, additional support was
brought in during 2025. The Colorado Department of Agriculture, Boulder County, and
Larimer County assisted with treatment of existing Rush Skeletonweed plants. In 2026,
the West Greeley Conservation District will provide further support. Boulder County has
also offered to assist again with canvassing and treatment of escaped plants.
Landowners are key partners, providing in-kind support by granting access and allowing
treatments on their properties. These partnerships, some newly formed and others
2026-2027 CDA Noxious Weed Program Annual Grants:Grant Application Questions 4
ongoing, contribute both technical expertise and labor, significantly increasing the
project's capacity and success.
2. Describe how incorporating partnerships in this project has brought value
to you in terms of achieving your management goals.
Partnerships have been essential in helping us meet the state's eradication requirements for
Rush Skeletonweed. In 2025, sharing the workload—especially clipping and bagging plants—
with partners, allowed us to effectively address approximately 99% of the infestation,
significantly reducing seed production. These collaborative efforts made the project more
efficient and manageable. The support from counties, agencies, and landowners has
expanded our capacity and improved treatment coverage. We anticipate similar success in
2026, bringing us another year closer to full eradication. These partnerships continue to add
value by providing labor, expertise, and access, all of which are critical to long-term success.
3. Will your organization or partners help to fill the funding gap if you only receive
partial funding? *
If your project is awarded partial funding, some proposed activities, treatments, etc., may have
to be revised.
Yes, if only partial funding is awarded, Weld County and the West Greeley Conservation
District are prepared to help cover the shortfall. Both organizations are committed to the
long-term goal of eradicating Rush Skeletonweed and understand the importance of
maintaining consistent treatment efforts. Their support—through financial contributions
and in-kind resources—will ensure that critical activities such as monitoring, herbicide
application, and outreach continue without interruption. This collaborative approach will
help keep the project on track to meet the five-year eradication goal, even if there is limited
external funding.
Additional Information in Support on the Project
5000 character limit
1 . Please include any other information you wish for us to consider in
reviewing your grant application.
2026-2027 CDA Noxious Weed Program Annual Grants: Grant Application Questions 5
2026 Budget Form for CDA Noxious Weed Program Grant Proposals
Project Name:Rush Skeletonweed Eradication Project in Weld County
Matching funds
CashFunds Applicant PartnerOther Match
Expenses
Requested Cash Cash Cash Total
Chamlcai treatment on Espinoza,UP RxR and
Weld County Lands Approx.97 acres to be
treated using various combinations of Plateau,
Teter XP,Tordon,Milestone,Rejuvra,Piper EZ and
Frequency. Sc SO
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In-Kind Matching Source Itemization APPIM Farrar In- Other In- Match
In-Klnd kind Kind Total
Landowner Compliance Time for spot checking
each month on known properties and additional
scouting$41.87/hour a 48 hours $2,010 a.
Landowner Compliance Truck to travel to site and
around the area scouting 419.87/hour x 48 $954
Spray truck for making broadcast treatment
applications S27 78/hour■40 tours $1,111
Sprayer operator Time$41.87/trout a 40 hours $1,675
Staff tame foe clipping and bagging 2 x
$41 87/hour x 40 hours $3,350 t>
Sy,e.11sar Truck to travel to ode for begging and
clipping operations with topper$31.81/hour x 40
hours $1.272
Education and outreach 541.87 x12 hours S501 S507
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Totals(by column) 58.000 SO $10.874 SO SO S0' SO S 10.874
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Total Orsrl Amount Proposed $8.000
Required Mkinem Mawr. $8.000
Proposed Match' S10,874
Project Name: Rush Skeletonweed Eradication Project in Weld County
Complete this sheet for any of the State-designated List A Species you plan to treat under this grant.
The three knotweed species have been combined for simplicity,since they are difficult to distinguish from each other and treated the same.
Gross acres is the total area of land surveyed for an infestation,while infested acres is the area within that survey that is covered by the infestation.
Answers limited to
500 characters.
Acres Managed Are these Primary Secondary
List A Species(select from Management Management Is there something specific you'd like us to know about this species and its management?Ideas
(enter whole Gross or
dropdown) numbers) Infested Acres? Technique Technique could include history,challenges and/or successes.(optional)
(dropdown) (if applicable)
Rush Skeletonweed was first identified in Weld County during the fall of 2025.Quick action included
Rush skeletonweed 97 infested Chemical Cultural clipping and bagging all plants identified on 3 parcels and along the County rights-of-way followed
by a fall chemical application.These techniques will be repeated in 2026 with additional monitoring
throughout the year.
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